10650680

Parking Lot Mapping System

PublishedMay 12, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A parking lot mapping system, comprising: a server remote from a plurality of vehicles, the server comprising a receiver configured to receive data transmitted from the plurality of vehicles, the data including a route traveled and a stopping position of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, an electronic controller configured to determine that each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles has entered a parking lot, and form a map of the parking lot including parking lot routes and parking spots, each of the parking lot routes and each of the parking spots being formed based on accumulation of the data from at least two of the plurality of vehicles, including the stopping position of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles and the route traveled by each of the plurality of vehicles after determination that each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles has entered the parking lot, and a storage device configured to store the map of the parking lot.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system generates a dynamic map of parking lot routes and parking spots by aggregating vehicle movement data. The system includes a remote server that receives data from multiple vehicles, including their traveled routes and stopping positions. An electronic controller processes this data to detect when vehicles enter a parking lot and then constructs a map by analyzing the accumulated movement patterns of at least two vehicles. The map is formed by identifying recurring stopping positions as parking spots and frequently traveled paths as parking lot routes. The resulting map is stored in a storage device for future reference. This approach eliminates the need for manual mapping or pre-installed sensors, leveraging real-time vehicle data to create an accurate and up-to-date representation of parking lot layouts. The system dynamically updates the map as new vehicle data is received, ensuring accuracy over time. The solution addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate parking lot maps without requiring physical infrastructure or periodic manual surveys.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The parking lot mapping system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine that each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles has entered a parking lot based on a parking event.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system is designed to monitor and track vehicles within a parking lot. The system addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and mapping vehicle positions to optimize parking space utilization and improve navigation for drivers. The system includes sensors, such as cameras or radar, to detect vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot. An electronic controller processes sensor data to determine when a vehicle has entered the parking lot based on a parking event, such as a vehicle stopping in a designated parking space or a payment transaction being completed. The controller then maps the vehicle's position within the parking lot, updating the system's database in real time. This allows for dynamic tracking of available and occupied spaces, reducing congestion and improving efficiency. The system may also integrate with mobile applications to guide drivers to open parking spots. By continuously monitoring vehicle movements, the system ensures accurate and up-to-date parking lot maps, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The parking lot mapping system of claim 2 , wherein the parking event is at least one of gear shifting, vehicle stopping for a predetermined time, vehicle starting, vehicle stopping, and a location of the vehicle while parked.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system is designed to monitor and analyze vehicle parking events within a designated area. The system identifies and records specific parking-related activities to generate an accurate map of parking lot usage. These activities include gear shifting, vehicle stopping for a predetermined duration, vehicle starting, vehicle stopping, and the location of the vehicle while parked. By tracking these events, the system can determine parking patterns, occupancy rates, and available parking spaces in real time. The data collected is used to optimize parking management, reduce congestion, and improve efficiency in parking lot operations. The system may integrate with sensors, cameras, or vehicle telemetry to detect and log these events, ensuring comprehensive coverage of parking activities. This approach enhances the accuracy of parking lot mapping and provides valuable insights for both drivers and parking facility operators. The system can be deployed in various environments, including urban parking garages, commercial parking lots, and public parking areas, to streamline parking management and improve user experience.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The parking lot mapping system according to claim 2 , wherein the receiver is configured to receive data transmitted before the parking event.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system is designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of tracking and mapping parking spaces in a lot. The system addresses the challenge of dynamically updating parking space availability and location data in real-time, which is critical for navigation systems and parking management. The system includes a receiver that captures data transmitted before a parking event occurs. This pre-event data may include information about the parking lot's layout, space dimensions, and initial availability status. By receiving this data in advance, the system can preload or preprocess information to enhance subsequent mapping and tracking operations. The receiver works in conjunction with other components, such as sensors or communication modules, to ensure that the system has the necessary contextual data to accurately map parking spaces as vehicles enter and exit the lot. This pre-event data reception helps reduce latency and improves the system's responsiveness to changes in parking availability. The overall goal is to provide a more reliable and up-to-date mapping solution for drivers and parking management systems.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The parking lot mapping system of claim 4 , wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine a parking lot entrance based on the data transmitted before the parking event.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system is designed to dynamically generate and update a map of a parking lot, including the locations of parked vehicles and available parking spaces. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently guiding drivers to available parking spots while minimizing congestion and improving overall parking lot utilization. The system includes sensors, such as cameras or ultrasonic sensors, that detect and track vehicle movements within the parking lot. An electronic controller processes the sensor data to identify parking events, such as a vehicle entering or exiting a parking space, and updates the parking lot map in real time. The system also determines the location of a parking lot entrance by analyzing data transmitted before a parking event occurs, such as vehicle entry data or sensor readings from the perimeter of the parking lot. This allows the system to accurately identify where vehicles enter the parking lot, which is crucial for navigation and traffic management. The updated map is then used to provide drivers with real-time guidance to available parking spaces, reducing the time spent searching for parking and improving the overall efficiency of the parking lot. The system may also integrate with mobile applications or in-vehicle navigation systems to deliver parking guidance to drivers.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The parking lot mapping system according to claim 5 , wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine a parking lot exit based on the data transmitted after the parking event.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system is designed to optimize navigation and exit strategies for vehicles within a parking facility. The system addresses challenges in efficiently guiding drivers to available parking spaces and subsequently directing them to the most convenient exit after their parking event. The system includes sensors and an electronic controller that collect and process data related to vehicle movements, parking space availability, and traffic patterns within the parking lot. The controller analyzes this data to generate real-time maps and navigation instructions for drivers. Specifically, the system determines the optimal parking lot exit for a vehicle based on data transmitted after the parking event, such as the vehicle's location, traffic conditions, and pedestrian activity. This ensures that drivers are directed to the least congested or most efficient exit, reducing delays and improving overall parking lot efficiency. The system may also integrate with mobile devices or in-vehicle displays to provide turn-by-turn guidance to the exit. By dynamically adjusting exit recommendations based on real-time conditions, the system enhances the parking experience for users and improves traffic flow within the facility.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The parking lot mapping system according to claim 6 , wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine the parking lot routes between the parking lot entrance and the parking lot exit based on the route traveled by each of the plurality of vehicles.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system generates and updates a navigable map of a parking lot by analyzing vehicle movement data. The system includes sensors, such as cameras or vehicle tracking devices, that monitor the movement of multiple vehicles within the parking lot. An electronic controller processes this data to identify frequently used paths, obstacles, and dynamic changes in the parking lot layout. The system determines optimal routes between the parking lot entrance and exit by analyzing the historical travel patterns of vehicles, ensuring efficient navigation for drivers. The map is updated in real-time or periodically to reflect changes in parking availability, temporary obstructions, or new routes. This approach improves navigation accuracy and reduces congestion by guiding vehicles along the most efficient paths based on real-world usage patterns. The system may also integrate with parking guidance systems to provide turn-by-turn directions to available parking spaces. The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate and up-to-date parking lot maps in dynamic environments, enhancing driver convenience and operational efficiency.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The parking lot mapping system according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine a direction of the parking lot routes based on the route traveled by each of the plurality of vehicles.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system is designed to dynamically generate and update a map of parking lot routes based on real-time vehicle movement data. The system addresses the challenge of accurately mapping parking lots, which often have complex, temporary, or changing layouts that are difficult to capture with static maps. The system includes sensors or data sources that track vehicle movements within the parking lot, such as GPS, cameras, or vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. An electronic controller processes this data to identify and map the routes traveled by multiple vehicles, allowing the system to infer the layout of the parking lot. The controller determines the direction of these routes by analyzing the movement patterns of individual vehicles, ensuring that the map reflects the actual flow of traffic. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to changes in the parking lot, such as temporary barriers, construction, or seasonal modifications, providing an up-to-date and accurate representation of the parking environment. The system may also integrate with navigation or guidance systems to assist drivers in navigating the parking lot efficiently.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The parking lot mapping system according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine the location of parking spots based on the stopping position of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping system automatically generates and updates a digital map of parking spots in a parking lot by analyzing vehicle stopping positions. The system includes sensors, such as cameras or LiDAR, that detect and track vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot. An electronic controller processes sensor data to identify where vehicles stop, inferring the locations of occupied and available parking spots. The system dynamically updates the map in real time, allowing drivers to locate open spaces efficiently. The controller also adjusts the map when vehicles leave, marking previously occupied spots as available. This approach eliminates the need for manual mapping or fixed infrastructure, reducing costs and improving accuracy. The system may integrate with navigation apps to guide drivers to open spots, optimizing parking lot utilization. By leveraging vehicle stopping patterns, the system adapts to changes in parking layouts, such as temporary obstructions or new construction. The technology is particularly useful in large or high-traffic parking areas where manual monitoring is impractical. The system enhances convenience for drivers and improves operational efficiency for parking management.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. A parking lot mapping method, comprising: receiving, via a receiver remote from a plurality of vehicles, data transmitted from the plurality of vehicles, the data including a route traveled and a stopping position of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, determining with an electronic controller that each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles has entered a parking lot, and forming a map of the parking lot including parking lot routes and parking spots, each of the parking lot routes and each of the parking spots based on accumulation of the data from at least two of the plurality of vehicles, including the stopping position of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles and the route traveled by each of the plurality of vehicles after determination that each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles has entered the parking lot, and a storage device configured to store the map of the parking lot.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for dynamically generating a map of a parking lot using data collected from multiple vehicles. The method addresses the challenge of accurately mapping parking lots without relying on pre-existing infrastructure or manual surveys. Vehicles equipped with sensors or communication devices transmit data, including their traveled routes and stopping positions, to a remote receiver. An electronic controller processes this data to determine when each vehicle has entered a parking lot. The system then aggregates the data from at least two vehicles to construct a map of the parking lot, identifying both the routes traveled within the lot and the locations of parking spots based on where vehicles have stopped. The map is stored in a storage device for future reference. This approach leverages real-world vehicle movements to create an up-to-date, crowd-sourced representation of parking lot layouts, improving navigation and parking efficiency. The method ensures accuracy by cross-referencing data from multiple vehicles, reducing errors from individual vehicle trajectories. The stored map can be used for navigation systems, parking guidance, or other applications requiring precise parking lot information.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The parking lot mapping method of claim 10 , further comprising determining with the electronic controller that each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles has entered a parking lot based on a parking lot event.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a parking lot mapping system that uses vehicle data to create and update a dynamic map of a parking lot. The system addresses the challenge of accurately tracking vehicle positions and movements within a parking lot, which is essential for efficient parking management, navigation, and space utilization. The method involves collecting data from multiple vehicles, including their locations, speeds, and directions, and processing this data to generate a real-time map of the parking lot. The map is updated continuously as vehicles enter, move within, or exit the parking lot. The system also identifies parking lot events, such as a vehicle entering or leaving, to ensure accurate tracking. By analyzing these events, the system determines when a vehicle has entered the parking lot, allowing for precise mapping of occupied and available spaces. The method may also include filtering or validating the collected data to improve accuracy, such as by removing outliers or confirming vehicle positions with additional sensors. The resulting map can be used for various applications, including guiding drivers to available parking spots, optimizing parking lot layout, and monitoring traffic flow. The system enhances parking efficiency and user experience by providing real-time, reliable information about parking availability and vehicle movements.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The parking lot mapping method of claim 11 , wherein the parking event is at least one of gear shifting, vehicle stopping for a predetermined time, vehicle starting, vehicle stopping, and a location of the vehicle while parked.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping method involves detecting and recording parking events to generate a spatial map of parking spaces. The method uses vehicle sensor data to identify specific parking-related activities, such as gear shifting, vehicle stopping for a predetermined duration, vehicle starting, vehicle stopping, and the vehicle's location while parked. These events are processed to determine the boundaries and availability of parking spaces within a lot. The system may also track vehicle movements and transitions between parked and non-parked states to refine the map over time. By analyzing these events, the method dynamically updates the parking space layout, improving accuracy and usability for navigation and parking guidance systems. The approach leverages real-time data to enhance parking management, reducing search times and optimizing space utilization. The method is particularly useful in large or complex parking environments where static maps may be outdated or incomplete.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The parking lot mapping method according to claim 11 , wherein the receiving data transmitted from the plurality of vehicles includes receiving data transmitted before the parking event.

Plain English Translation

A parking lot mapping method involves generating a map of a parking lot by collecting and processing data from multiple vehicles. The method addresses the challenge of accurately mapping parking lots to assist drivers in finding available spaces and navigating the area. Vehicles equipped with sensors and communication systems transmit data, including their positions, movements, and environmental observations, to a central system. This data is used to construct a detailed map of the parking lot, including the layout of parking spaces, lanes, and obstacles. The method also incorporates data transmitted before a parking event occurs, allowing for preemptive mapping and updates to the parking lot layout. By analyzing historical and real-time data, the system can predict parking space availability and optimize navigation routes for drivers. The method improves efficiency in parking lot management and enhances the driving experience by providing accurate and up-to-date mapping information.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The parking lot mapping method of claim 13 , wherein the receiving data transmitted from the plurality of vehicles includes receiving data transmitted before the parking event.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a parking lot mapping method that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of parking space detection and mapping by utilizing data transmitted from multiple vehicles. The method addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and mapping available parking spaces in real-time, particularly in large or complex parking lots where traditional static mapping systems may be unreliable or outdated. The method involves receiving data transmitted from a plurality of vehicles, including data collected before a parking event occurs. This pre-event data may include vehicle location, speed, direction, and other relevant telemetry information. By analyzing this data, the system can predict parking space availability and occupancy patterns, improving the accuracy of dynamic parking lot maps. The method may also incorporate real-time data from vehicles actively parking to further refine the map. The system processes the received data to identify parking space boundaries, occupancy status, and other relevant features. Machine learning or other analytical techniques may be used to correlate the vehicle data with known parking lot layouts, enhancing the system's ability to detect and map parking spaces dynamically. The resulting map is then updated and provided to users, such as drivers or parking management systems, to facilitate efficient parking space allocation and navigation. This approach improves upon traditional static mapping by leveraging real-time and historical vehicle data, ensuring more accurate and up-to-date parking lot representations. The method is particularly useful in high-traffic or frequently changing parking environments.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The parking lot mapping method according to claim 14 , further comprising determining with the electronic controller a parking lot exit based on the data transmitted after the parking event.

Plain English Translation

This method uses the same system that mapped your parking spot to figure out where you exited the parking lot after you left.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The parking lot mapping method according to claim 15 , further comprising determining with the electronic controller the parking lot routes between the parking lot entrance and the parking lot exit based on the route traveled by each of the plurality of vehicles.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for mapping parking lots using vehicle movement data. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently navigating and managing parking lots by dynamically generating accurate route information based on real-world vehicle movements. The system involves tracking the routes taken by multiple vehicles within a parking lot, where each vehicle is equipped with a positioning device that records its position data. An electronic controller processes this data to identify and map the routes traveled by the vehicles, including entry and exit points, as well as any obstacles or restricted areas. The method further includes determining optimal parking lot routes between the entrance and exit by analyzing the collected route data. This allows for the creation of a dynamic map that reflects actual vehicle traffic patterns, improving navigation efficiency and parking lot management. The system can be used to guide drivers, optimize parking space allocation, and enhance overall parking lot operations. The invention leverages real-time vehicle tracking to provide a more accurate and adaptive representation of parking lot layouts compared to static maps.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The parking lot mapping method according to claim 10 , further comprising determining with the electronic controller a direction of the parking lot routes based on the route traveled by each of the plurality of vehicles.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a parking lot mapping method that improves navigation and route planning within parking facilities. The method addresses the challenge of accurately mapping parking lot routes to assist drivers in finding available parking spaces and navigating efficiently. The system uses data from multiple vehicles to dynamically generate and update a map of the parking lot, including the layout of routes and available spaces. The method involves collecting movement data from vehicles as they travel through the parking lot. An electronic controller processes this data to identify the routes taken by each vehicle, determining the direction of travel for each route. By analyzing the movement patterns of multiple vehicles, the system can infer the structure of the parking lot, including one-way routes, intersections, and dead-ends. This information is used to generate a detailed map that can be shared with other vehicles or navigation systems to improve parking lot navigation. The method also includes tracking the occupancy of parking spaces by monitoring vehicle movements and determining when a vehicle enters or exits a space. This real-time data allows the system to update the map dynamically, providing accurate information on available parking spots. The system may also incorporate additional data, such as sensor inputs or historical traffic patterns, to refine the map further. The resulting map can be used to guide drivers to open spaces, reduce congestion, and optimize parking lot usage.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The parking lot mapping method according to claim 10 , further comprising determining with the electronic controller the location of parking spots based on the stopping position of each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a parking lot mapping method that improves the accuracy of parking spot detection by analyzing vehicle stopping positions. The method involves using an electronic controller to process data from sensors, such as cameras or LiDAR, to detect vehicles entering and exiting a parking lot. The controller tracks each vehicle's movement and identifies its stopping position, which is then used to determine the precise location of available parking spots. By correlating stopping positions with known parking space boundaries, the system dynamically updates a digital map of the parking lot, ensuring real-time accuracy. The method also accounts for variations in vehicle sizes and parking orientations, enhancing reliability. This approach reduces errors in traditional static mapping systems, which often fail to account for dynamic changes in parking availability. The invention is particularly useful for automated parking guidance systems, smart parking management, and autonomous vehicle navigation, where precise parking spot detection is critical for efficiency and safety. The system may integrate with existing infrastructure, such as parking lot sensors or vehicle-to-infrastructure communication networks, to provide seamless updates. The method ensures that parking spot data remains accurate even as vehicles move in and out of the lot, improving overall parking management and user experience.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

May 12, 2020

Inventors

Mauro Della PENNA
Naoki KOJO
Daisuke SAITO

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